Print

Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

4.6 from 71 reviews

Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Juicy cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and depth, then tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese for a comforting, vibrant meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 pound cherry tomatoes
  • 1 head of garlic
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Pasta

  • 1 pound pasta (spaghetti or your choice)

Seasonings and Oils

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and garlic.
  2. Prepare Tomatoes: Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Prepare Garlic: Slice off the top of the head of garlic to expose the cloves, making it ready for roasting.
  4. Season Tomatoes: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes, then add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything to coat evenly.
  5. Arrange for Roasting: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the tomatoes in a single layer on the sheet and place the garlic head cut side up alongside them. Drizzle the garlic with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt.
  6. Roast: Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the garlic cloves become soft and fragrant.
  7. Cook Pasta: While roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  8. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Do not rinse the pasta after draining.
  9. Cool Roasted Ingredients: Let the roasted tomatoes and garlic cool for a few minutes to handle safely.
  10. Extract Garlic: Squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a large mixing bowl.
  11. Add Tomatoes: Add the roasted tomatoes along with any juices that collected on the baking sheet to the bowl with the garlic.
  12. Mash Ingredients: Gently mash the tomatoes and garlic together using a fork or potato masher to create a chunky sauce.
  13. Season Sauce: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar if using, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  14. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss well to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and reach desired consistency.
  15. Add Basil: Fold in the chopped fresh basil to infuse fresh herbaceous flavor throughout the pasta.
  16. Serve: Serve the pasta in bowls topped with grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves if you like.
  17. Finish: Drizzle with a little more olive oil for an extra burst of flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and adds sweetness, making it perfect for this sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce texture and helping it cling to pasta.
  • Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  • For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes or add crushed chili.
  • Fresh basil is essential for that bright, fresh flavor in the finished dish.
  • Use high-quality olive oil and Parmesan for the best taste.

Keywords: roasted tomato pasta, garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian vegetarian pasta, roasted vegetables pasta